A search and rescue mission that turned into a search and recovery mission in California has left the Wyoming football family in a state of shock. Over the weekend, the news out of California regarding the search for Class of 2019 signee Naphtali Moimoi took an unfortunate turn when authorities called off a search with no results. On Monday, Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl issued a statement extending thoughts and prayers to the family of Moimoi.
“We have been talking with Naphtali’s family, and our hearts go out to the entire Moi Moi family at this extremely difficult time,” Bohl said in his statement. “As a Cowboy Football family, we are all thinking of and praying for Naphtali, his family and his friends.”
Moimoi was last seen at Half Moon Bay in California rising on a boogie board. A strong rip current whisked Moimoi away out to sea, with a search and rescue mission getting underway Friday morning. As the day progressed, the search reached a conclusion with no body found. Authorities will continue to review any information regarding Moimoi that is received as the search for a body and answers continues.
Moimoi is a two-star recruit from Hayward, California in Wyoming’s Class of 2019. The defensive end signed with Wyoming in December 2018 during the early signing period.